Immunovirological Characteristics of Patients Carrying HBsAg: Analysis of Viral Load and Serological Markers at the Ignace Deen University Hospital in Conakry (Guinea)

<title>Abstract</title> <p> Introduction Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a major public health problem affecting approximately 296 million people worldwide. This study aimed to describe the virological and serological profile of patients who are HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) carriers and are being treated at the Conakry University Hospital. Materials and Methods A retrospective, descriptive, and analytical study was conducted in the clinical hematology department of the Ignace Deen University Hospital over two years, from January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2025. All patients who were HBsAg-positive and had a complete virological workup were included. Demographic, serological, and virological data were analyzed. Results: A total of 200 patients were included. The mean age was 37 years, with a slight female predominance (sex ratio: 0.9). The mean HBsAg concentration was 5,123 IU/mL. HBeAg was negative in 94% of cases. The mean HBV viral load was 207,807 IU/mL, while 70% of participants had a viral load below 2,000 IU/mL. <bold>Conclusion</bold> The majority of HBsAg-positive patients had an HBeAg-negative profile with low viral replication, highlighting the importance of jointly evaluating serological and virological markers for the appropriate management of chronic hepatitis B </p>